44
BIFL Mechanical Pencil (reddthat.com)
submitted 7 months ago by to c/buyitforlife@slrpnk.net
20 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

A recent post by xcel reminded me that I need a mechanical pencil. Ideally the same size as a normal pencil and ideally ~15 USD (200 ZAR) since anything above that price has a habit disapearing from my desk.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 6 points 7 months ago* (3 children)

This is where I proclaim the wonderfulness of a 2mm lead holder. you sharpen it like a normal pencil with this really small sharpener. you can then buy a tin of different 2mm leads of different colors or hardness.

Staedtler makes a pretty good one for 10 bucks. my favorite is an aluminum one by Caran D'ache.

If you just have to have .5mm get a uni kuru toga. They have one that rotates the lead every time you press down so you always start with a sharp edge.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    The Staedtler lead holder is a perfect BIFL product. I had mine for years until I somehow lost it. I couldn't find a Staedtler at a store near me, so I ended up buying one from a brand called Alvin. I hadn't heard of it before, but it feels like it'll also last forever. Has a metal body and everything. https://alvindrafting.com/products/pro-matic-metal-lead-holder

    Other upside of a lead holder: no more little broken 0.5 mm pieces ending up all over the room.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 1 point 5 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

    Oh god, Staedler. My dad had one for 40 years and I used it for two (and somehow leads have to be put in the bottom to actually be used). After it died I got a newer Staedler one and I somehow permanently jammed it in the few months I actually used it.

    Maybe the shitty AliExpress leads I use harm the mechanicals of the pens or something?

    Edit: The old one works after multiple cleaning sessions.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent